Customer Engagement Kick StartJoin marketing expert Jeanne Frazer for a 90-minute workshop that will help participants put together a six-month plan to reach and engage with current and potential customers including digital strategy and social media.

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a Wake County Human Services program, is continuing to accept applications through today, Tuesday, March 31, 2015.

LIEAP is a federally funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Low-income requirement, defined as less than 130% of federal poverty level

Reserves at or below $2,200

Responsibility for the household heating bills

The following items are required at the time of application: applicant's photo ID, current heating bill, Social Security numbers for all household members, income verification for anyone living in the home, and most recent bank statements.

Wake County also provides crisis assistance to households that are without heat or in jeopardy of losing their heat for non-payment. Crisis assistance is based on the availability of funds.

The Wake Transit funding partners are looking for feedback to help improve current and future transit services and options. Surveys will be provided on-site at two Wake County Human Services locations on Tuesday and Thursday of this week for participants to give feedback via a brief survey.

Survey participants will receive a one-day, unlimited bus pass, while supplies last, if they complete the survey at either of the following two locations:

]]>Stephen R. WalstonWakeGOV Home PageMon, 30 Mar 2015 21:25:28 GMThttp://www.wakegov.com/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=432Writing, SAT Practice, Music and More at Libraries in Aprilhttp://www.wakegov.com/news/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=429
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Authors in Your Background: A Celebration of Local WritersCome to the first major local author reception in celebration of National Libraries Week. Bestselling novelist Diane Chamberlain will be the keynote speaker. Local authors will read selections from their work and refreshments will follow in a reception for over 50 authors and the public to meet and greet. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. If you are a Triangle area author and interested in attending, please contact the Cameron Village Regional Library.

Meet the Author: Frances MayesFrances Mayes is visiting the library to discuss her memoir of coming-of-age in Georgia, Under Magnolia. Mayes is a professor, essayist, poet and novelist, best known for her Tuscany travel essays, including Under the Tuscan Sun. Light refreshments will be served. Registration requested.

Climate Change: Read and DiscussRead about the topic and then join faculty from N.C. State's Department of History for a discussion exploring the issues surrounding climate change and how to be a smart consumer of media. Participants are invited to attend N.C. State's History Weekend.

Storybook BallThe library will be closed for a magical evening of dancing, crafting, stories and more. Come as your favorite storybook character or dress in your royal best. For children ages 3 and up and their families. Registration is required.

Take a Free SAT/ACT Practice TestTake a combo SAT/ACT exam. Get a feel for the questions and experience exam-like conditions. Attend this event and receive information on how to access Kaplan's online course for free. Limited seats available, and on-time arrival is important.

NC Symphony Music DiscoveryThanks to generous funding from PNC's "Grow Up Great" initiative, this free music education program, provided by the North Carolina Symphony, is specifically designed for preschool children (ages 3–5) and their families.

Get Money SmartAs part of a Grow Up Great grant from PNC, Wake County Public Libraries will offer free special programs for preschool children and their parents that teach lessons in spending, sharing and saving, and that encourage parents to reinforce those lessons at home.

Join the libraries for the early childhood financial education celebration, Small Change. The celebration will include a preschool program performed by puppeteers, storytellers and musicians Timmy and Susann Abell, followed by simple activities for preschool children and their families. Representatives from PNC will also be on hand to guide parents and adult caregivers to great resources that aid in learning more about family finances. Event dates and times vary. Check your local library for information.

For more information on all programs, contact the library of interest or visit the Libraries events page.

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.–noonToadally Awesome AmphibiansAfter the first week of spring, but before the April showers start, we're hoping to catch some sleepy salamanders at Lake Crabtree. This program will investigate the park's amphibian habitats, show you how to create your own, and teach about the important ecological role amphibians and the vernal pools they inhabit play. The program fee is $3/person or $5/family, and preregistration is required. Lake Crabtree is located at 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville.

Sunday, March 29, 1–2:30 p.m.Spring Photography Hike
Bring your camera and join us for outdoor nature photography at Harris Lake. We will focus on capturing the change in seasons by photographing newly emerging spring growth and local wildlife. Park staff will accompany you and serve as an interpretive guide to the flora and fauna you see and photograph. All photography skill levels are welcome. Meet at the Restroom Pavilion. This program is $3 per person and is for ages 14 and up. Harris Lake County Park is located at 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill.

Wake County's 86it Anti-Litter Campaign is seeking volunteers to help pick up litter during the Spring Litter Cleanup Event on Saturday, March 28, 2015, in Southeast Raleigh.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate, including students looking to receive community service hours for school. Volunteers will meet at Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson Community Center, 1801 Proctor St. in Raleigh, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Event coordinators will provide volunteers with litter grabbers, gloves and bags. Groups of volunteers will be shuttled to nearby areas to pick up litter. Litter will be cleaned up along Cross Link, Creech, Sanderford and Rock Quarry roads.

All volunteers will receive a free 86it t-shirt for participating. Volunteers must sign a liability waiver, and participants under 18 must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Register here to volunteer.

On Saturday, March 28, 2015, Blue Jay Point County Park celebrated the grand opening of the Go Ape Treetop Adventure course. This 2- to 3-hour ropes course, featuring obstacles and five zip lines, is a highly interactive, exciting new addition to Blue Jay Point. The course will appeal not only to park-goers, but also other County residents and visitors from outside of Wake County.

"We look forward to the interactions that Go Ape will help facilitate between Blue Jay Point and our residents, as well as those who are traveling from outside the region to experience our great County," said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Dr. James West.

In addition to attracting new park visitors, Go Ape Treetop Adventure course will support the park and local community by taking part in park cleanups, non-native invasive plant removal, and donating free and discounted tickets to underserved and special needs groups.

In a report released Wednesday, March 26, 2014, the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program ranked Wake County the overall healthiest county in North Carolina for the fifth consecutive year. The program, a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, ranks more than 3,000 counties in all 50 states.

"I am thrilled for our county to receive this ranking for the fifth time," said Wake County Commissioner Joe Bryan. "As an avid runner myself, I know how important it is to live a healthy lifestyle and for the County to provide the right services to help our community lead healthier lives."

The rankings give counties a snapshot of how well they are doing with length and quality of life while measuring 29 factors that influence health. These factors include smoking, obesity, teen birth rates, high school graduation, access to clinical care, employment, physical inactivity, and access to healthy foods among others.

"We want to recognize all the partners and community leaders who are contributing to the many positive health indicators as well as to commend Wake residents for all they do as they strive to make healthier lifestyle choices" said Wake County Human Services Director Ramon Rojano.

This announcement comes shortly after the Wake County Board of Commissioners adopted a new goal in 2014 to become the healthiest capital county in the U.S. The Healthiest Capital County Initiative will bring together leaders in the private and public sectors to build opportunities for healthy lifestyles and better health outcomes for all Wake County residents.

"After several years of being ranked the healthiest county in the state, this new initiative seeks to raise the bar by entering into a friendly competition with other capital counties across the nation while ultimately improving health here in Wake County," said Commissioner Bryan. "While being ranked again as the healthiest county in North Carolina is wonderful news, we do not want to become complacent."

In conjunction with the County Commissioners and over 80 partners, the Healthiest Capital County Initiative will include strategies and opportunities for everyone to connect with needed services and to identify ways to improve their health.

Wake County Manager Jim Hartmann announced on Wednesday, February 11, that David Ellis has been selected as a Deputy County Manager. Ellis currently serves as Assistant City Manager in Charlottesville, Va., and previously served in a variety of capacities in Fairfax County, Va. His first day with Wake County was Monday, March 23, 2015.

"I am excited to have David join the County Leadership Team," said Hartmann. "He brings extensive knowledge of local government and a proven record of community engagement that will benefit the County as we continue to grow."

Ellis brings more than 20 years of government experience and has professional management training through the University of Virginia's Senior Executive Institute program as well as the International City/County Management Association's (ICMA) leadership program.

"Wake County is a fantastic community, and this is a fantastic opportunity," said Ellis. "I am looking forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and staff and serving the residents of Wake County well into the future."

As one of two Deputy County Managers, Ellis will be an integral part of the County's leadership team and will assist County Manager Jim Hartmann and Deputy County Manager Johnna Rogers in the leadership, direction and coordination of Wake County Government. As a team, they will work to ensure that all directives, decisions, policies, resolutions, ordinances and regulations issued by the Board of County Commissioners are implemented.

Ellis has served as Assistant City Manager in Charlottesville for three years. In Fairfax County he served as assistant to the County Executive for nine years. In Fairfax, Ellis managed the Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Department of Code Compliance. He also established a regional system of human services as the Assistant Director of Human Services.

Ellis holds a bachelor's degree from James Madison University and a master's degree in Public Administration from George Mason University.

The exhibit is a powerful remembrance of architecture forever lost through demolition, natural disaster, social and economic change, or simple neglect. The thematic panels contain reproductions primarily from vintage postcards, but also period and contemporary photographs and drawings that provide the history of each building's fate.

Preservation North Carolina was founded in 1939 and promotes and protects the buildings and landscapes of North Carolina's diverse heritage. Lost North Carolina is one of their many traveling exhibits.

The exhibit will be on display in Historic Oak View's Farm History Center until May 17, 2015, and is free and open to the public during normal park hours, Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Monday, April 6, 6:30–7:30 p.m.What's That Invasive?Love plants or gardening? Come to Lake Crabtree County Park to learn how to identify local invasive plant species that you may find in your garden or backyard. Learn about some native plants that make great alternatives. Come and see the invasive plants, up close and personal (no hiking required). Children and adults are welcome. This program is free in honor of N.C. Invasive Species Awareness Week. Lake Crabtree County Park is located at 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville.

Tuesday, April 7, 11 a.m.–noonLittle Historians: The Great Tomato MysteryA Farm-to-Table AdventurePeggy and Annie love helping get ready for the Farmers Market! But one afternoon, Mamma's prize-winning tomatoes were missing! Were they left in the garden by mistake? Did a bird eat them? Were they stolen?! Come to Historic Yates Mill County Park to play fun food and farm games, make your own seed mosaic and help the girls solve the Great Tomato Mystery before supper-time. For ages 5–7; fee: $4/child or $10 for 3 Little Historians programs. Preregistration is required. Historic Yates Mill County Park is located at 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh.

Tuesday–Thursday, April 14–16, 4–6 p.m.Science AllianceScience Alliance is a new, free three-day event as part of the N.C. Science Festival. Over the course of the event, guest scientists from a variety of organizations will engage participants in fun educational activities and presentations at Harris Lake County Park. Presenters will be on hand from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Wake Soil and Water Conservation District, N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Master Gardeners, Red Hen Enterprises, The Roanoke Center and N.C. State University departments of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Science and Biology. Come out for two or more days to win some cool prizes! Interested families should call 919-387-4342 to register. Harris Lake County Park is located at 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill.

Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Antique Automobile ShowCome see antique cars displayed on the grounds at Historic Oak View County Park at the Antique Automobile Show, sponsored by the Triangle Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America. Relive automobile history at the Antique Auto Show. The Triangle Chapter will also be assembling its 1917 Take-Apart Model T at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Come and see if they can break their record of 5 minutes and 3 seconds! Historic Oak View County Park is located at 4028 Carya Drive, Raleigh.

Sunday, April 19, 2–3 p.m. Family Feature: Rocking Around the ParkCome explore the rocks of Crowder District Park through hands-on science. Conduct scientific tests to discover the hidden identity of rocks. Learn the three types of rocks and play the rock cycle game. For all ages; fee: $5/family. Registration is required. Crowder District Park is located at 4709 Ten-Ten Road, Apex.

Friday, April 24, 7–10 p.m. Star PartyPart of the 2015 Statewide Star Party held in conjunction with the N.C. Science Festival, this free event will take place on the American Tobacco Trail at the White Oak Parking Field, under the stars. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend. There will be some fun, hands-on activities early in the evening. As the sun goes down, we will begin to observe a variety of celestial objects, both inside and outside our solar system, through telescopes and binoculars. Bring your curiosity, a water bottle, chair or blanket, your own viewing instrument (if you have one), and dress for the weather. This program is open to all ages. Register for this free event by calling 919-387-4342. Meet at the White Oak Parking Area, 1305 White Oak Church Road, Apex.

Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Songbird Celebration Family FestivalA free festival for bird lovers of all ages, Songbird Celebration at Blue Jay Point County Park is a great outing for families, scouts and other youth groups. Enjoy bird-related activities throughout the park, including games, crafts, preschool story times, bird hikes for adults and kids, learning stations and more. Visit the website to check out the festival details. For information, call 919-870-4330. Blue Jay Point County Park is located at 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh.

Saturday, April 25 – NOTICE OF PARK CLOSING:Harris Lake County Park will be closed to the public until 3 p.m. to host the LoziLu Mud Run Event. Thank you for your cooperation.

Wake County Human Services is hosting its Human Capital Development Campaign Summit on Friday, March 27, 2015, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Commons Building, 4011 Carya Drive, Raleigh. Many community partners will be invited to participate and work together as regions of Wake County to learn more about existing partnerships, resources and needs. The goal is to inspire action and collaboration.

"The Summit is a way to connect community organizations with individuals and Wake County Human Services leaders in order to support individuals determined to build a better future for themselves and their families," said Ann Godwin, Human Capital Development Campaign Manager. "We hope that this event is the start of something great."

The Summit will feature keynote speaker Dr. Dudley Flood, who will present on The Power of Collaboration. Dr. Flood spent 21 years with the Department of Public Instruction specializing in desegregation and race relations and later went on to serve as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators. He has won over 350 awards for his civic service. In addition to a speaker, there will also be a gallery walk and regional break-out sessions.

Human Capital Development is a philosophy that builds on people's strengths in order to achieve positive outcomes on multiple levels:

Wake County competitively bid and sold $94 million in fixed-rate, tax-exempt general obligation (GO) public improvement bonds (Series 2015) on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, for the Wake County Public School System ($36 million) and Wake Tech ($58 million) building programs. The three major rating agencies confirmed the County's triple-A rating in early March in conjunction with the bond sale.

Commissioners approved the resolution to sell the GO bonds at their regular meeting on Monday, March 2, 2015. Today, the County received seven bids for the general obligation bonds with the winning bid being awarded to Bank of America Merrill Lynch, at a true interest cost of 2.57 percent.

"Wake Tech is one of our key economic development partners," said County Manager Jim Hartmann. "It is essential that the County continues to plan ahead and invest in the infrastructure needed to meet the growing needs of both our community college and our K-12 public school system. The County's exceptional credit rating allows us to have the lowest financing cost available in the market, which provides the lowest cost of debt to the tax payer."

The school bonds are the second bonds to be issued from the $810 million of school bonds approved by the voters on October 8, 2013. The bonds from this sale will be used to fund design start-up, off-site infrastructure and land acquisition for future schools as well as life cycle repair and renovation projects at existing schools.

The Wake Tech bonds are the second bonds to be issued from the $200 million of community college bonds approved by the voters on November 6, 2012. The bonds for Wake Tech will fund construction of two new classroom buildings at the Northern Campus, prepare the RTP Campus for its first classroom building to be constructed next year and fund renovations at Wake Tech's main campus.

Wake's triple-A bond rating allows the County to receive low interest rates on debt issued for capital expenditures. The County's triple-A rating was affirmed by rating agencies prior to the sale. Fitch, Moody's, and Standard and Poor's base their decisions on factors including the County's excellent financial management, diverse economic base and sound financial position. Wake County has received the highest possible rating from Moody's since 1973; Standard & Poor's since 1983 and Fitch since 2000.

Patricia Baker has been selected as director of the Economic Self-Sufficiency Division of Wake
County Human Services. Baker brings front-line and management expertise in many of the areas covered by the Division, such as Medicaid, Food Assistance, Work First, NC Health Choice, Daycare, Special Assistance,
Fraud, and Energy.

Baker has been working in social services in North Carolina for more than
20 years, is former director of Social Services for Cabarrus County and started work
with Wake County on Monday, October 20, 2014.

"Patricia is experienced in developing community partnerships, working with appointed boards
and staff," said Deputy County Manager Joe Durham. "She has a proven business perspective and
is practiced in the analytics required to lead the Economic Self-Sufficiency Division."

Baker was the top candidate in a three-tiered selection process, which included representatives
of the Human Services Director's Office, the Division of Social Services, and representatives of the
County Manager's Office. Baker has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from UNC-Charlotte.

Wake County has a consolidated Human Services agency that serves thousands of customers
each year in the areas of social services, public health, behavioral health, job training, child
support, housing and transportation. The Division of Economic Self-Sufficiency has 480 staff and
provides such programs as Child Care Subsidy, Child Protection, Energy Assistance, Food
Assistance and Medicaid.